Surname Cannan - Meaning and Origin
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Cannan: What does the surname Cannan mean?
The surname Cannan is of Gaelic origin derived from the word "cana," which means "wolf cub." The first known recordings of the family name were found in Scotland, making it Scottish Gaelic. Some variations of the name include Canon, Canan, and Cannons. This name likely started as a nickname for a young, lively, or feral child, and then became a familial name passed down through generations. Sometimes, surnames were also adopted from places; there is a town in Scotland named Canonbie which may have influenced the adoption of the name. Therefore, the last name Cannan signifies an affiliation with Scottish Gaelic ancestry and culture. However, it is important to remember that the meanings of surnames can vary greatly within different regions and families.
Order DNA origin analysisCannan: Where does the name Cannan come from?
The last name Cannan originates from Ireland, specifically from the regions of Connacht and Ulster. It is a variant of the name Cannon, which comes from the Gaelic term "Canain," meaning "canon," a title for a clergyman. The earliest records of the family were found in territories of O'Cannan in Donegal and Galway.
Cannan is not a common surname, but it is mainly found in English-speaking countries, including the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. Due to historical emigration from Ireland, large populations of people bearing this surname are found in these countries and other parts of the world where the Irish diaspora moved. Presently, the last name Cannan persists primarily in the United States. It can still be found in Ireland, although in a lesser concentration than in the past. Given the historical Irish dispersion worldwide, the surname may also have some presence in other regions of the world. Some variant forms of Cannan exist, which include Cannon, O'Cannon, and Cannane, contributing to its diffusion.
Variations of the surname Cannan
The surname "Cannan" has variations depending on country of origin, pronunciation, spelling and translation. The surname appears to have a Celtic, specifically Irish and Scottish origin. Spellings can be traced back historically, many linked with the Isle of Man, England and Ireland.
Variations include: Cannon, Cannan, Canan, Canning, Cennen, Cennon, Kannon, Kanon, and Canen. MacCannon, O'Cannon, and variations starting with 'Mc' or 'O' suggest an Irish heritage. In Scotland, the names MacCanannain or Clan Canannain evolved into McCannan before simplifying to Cannan.
Cannon, an Anglicized version of the name, tends to be more common in Britain. In the United States, a common alternate spelling is Canaan.
Phonetic similarities can lead to even more variations, especially when non-English languages are considered.
Keep in mind that surnames can also morph over generations and geographical moves – some family surnames might even adopt a region-specific twist. Also, transcription errors could occur during immigration, with those in charge of documentation spelling names as they heard them. This explains some of the spelling diversity among surnames of the same lineage.
Famous people with the name Cannan
- Edward Cannan: An English economist and logician from the University of Oxford, best known for his careful edition of Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations".
- Edwin Cannan: He is a British novelist and playwright.
- Gilbert Cannan: He was a British novelist and dramatist.
- Rheanne Murray Cannan: She is a model who represented Scotland at the 2011 Miss Earth pageant.
- Jo-Ann Cannan: An Australian competitive swimmer who participated in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Ronald Cannan: A former British Conservative Member of Parliament.